The 2024 Young Investigators Symposium on Frontiers in Innovative Technology (FIT) was successfully held from October 31 to November 1 at Long Bin Building of the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter). The JI-hosted symposium, which took place in a hybrid format with both online and in-person participation, brought together leading young scholars and researchers from top global institutions to exchange ideas and present cutting-edge research.
JI Professor Chengbin Ma gives an opening speech as chairman of the organizing committee.
A total of 16 speakers from top global institutions and research organizations, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Michigan, UCLA, UC San Diego, Georgia Tech, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Zhejiang University, gathered with the JI faculty members and students to present their research findings and share academic experiences.
Dean Chien-Pin Chen welcomed the international attendees and expressed his gratitude for their participation. He emphasized the importance of young scholars coming together to solve major technological challenges. “This symposium aims to be a catalyst for idea exchange, expanding horizons, and sparking creativity,” he said.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs David Hung introduces the tenure system and career development pathways of the Joint Institute.
During the symposium, two keynote speakers shared their insights on the latest developments in their fields. Professor Feng Gao, from the SJTU School of Mechanical Engineering, and Professor Jiangchuan Liu, an Academician of the Canadian Academy of Engineering from Simon Fraser University, addressed attendees on latest advancements in robotics and information technologies.
Young scholars engaged in in-depth discussions on foundational research in frontier fields such as artificial intelligence and hardware accelerator design, data science, robotics, next-generation communication networks, and advanced manufacturing. Frequent online and offline interactions, as well as Q&A sessions, stimulated active thinking and extensive exchanges, creating a vibrant academic atmosphere and fostering dynamic intellectual collisions.
Group photo of attendees
The FIT symposium provides a dynamic platform for young scholars worldwide to share groundbreaking research, spark new ideas, and explore interdisciplinary collaboration in the fields of electrical and computer engineering (ECE) and mechanical engineering (ME). The symposium focuses on emerging and interdisciplinary areas. JI is dedicated to its mission of fostering interdisciplinary research and global collaboration. Through initiatives like the Young Investigators Symposium, the institute invites talented young scholars from around the world to join in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in science and technology, with the goal of building a world-class engineering institute at the forefront of global innovation.
